Encapsulation method significantly affects water activity,moisture content, particle size, surface b-carotene, encapsulation
efficiency, and morphology of the resulting microcapsules. In vitro digestion revealed that the bioavailability is significantly affected by encapsulation method and food matrix. The commercial waterdispersible b-carotene had the highest extent of release overall and the highest extent of b-carotene incorporated into the micelle phase, regardless of food matrix. The spray-dried maltodextrin powder had a lower extent of release overall and a lower incorporation into the micelle phase, while the chitosan-alginate microcapsules had the lowest release and micelle content. Digestion with a food matrix significantly decreased release and bioavailability of the b-carotene types, with pudding superior to yogurt in terms of release and bioavailability. Spray drying b-carotene is thus validated as an acceptable method to preserve b-carotene while also maintaining bioavailability, whereas microencapsulation with alginate and chitosan is not recommended due to the low amount incorporated into micelle phase during digestion.